Brad Holmes Delivers Heartfelt Graduation Address at North Carolina A&T
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes left the world of football behind for a day to inspire the next generation. Over the weekend, Holmes returned to North Carolina A&T, the university where his journey began, to speak at the 2024 commencement ceremony.
Humble Beginnings to NFL Success
Holmes shared his personal journey from modest beginnings to the NFL front office. After graduating from N.C. A&T, he didn’t land a glamorous job. Instead, he started his career at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. His first NFL role was an unpaid public relations internship — a far cry from his current role leading the Detroit Lions.
He credited his rise to three core principles: maintaining a strong mindset, showing up consistently, and producing quality work. Holmes emphasized the importance of personal growth, encouraging graduates to always seek knowledge through reading and listening.
Embracing Aggie Identity
Beyond professional advice, Holmes delivered a powerful reminder about identity and pride. His words highlighted his deep connection to North Carolina A&T, urging graduates to hold onto that same sense of pride.
“Take pride in where you come from,” he said, referencing the legacy of civil rights heroes and personal memories like duct-taping an A.C. unit in his dorm. He added, “When people misname our school, it hits me hard. A&T makes real ones. Aggies have grit.”
A Different Kind of Victory
While Holmes is known in Detroit for his clear vision and leadership in building a competitive team, his appearance at N.C. A&T revealed another side — a passionate mentor and proud alumnus. For the Class of 2024, it was a speech filled with inspiration, pride, and the belief that greatness can come from anywhere.
Holmes’ return wasn’t just a trip down memory lane — it was a powerful moment of encouragement for future leaders and a cultural win for Aggie Nation.
